Bali: Addressing over 800 members of the Indian diaspora here, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday highlighted the close cultural and civilizational linkages between India and Indonesia.
He referred to the age-old tradition of “Bali Jatra” to highlight the enduring cultural and trade connection between the two countries. He also highlighted the commonalities between India and Indonesia in various sectors.
“About 1,500 km away from Bali, the festival of ‘Bali Jatra’ is being celebrated on the banks of Mahanadi in Indian city Cuttack. This festival celebrates thousands of years of trade relations between India and Indonesia,” the Prime Minister said.
“In Indonesia, you worship Lord Vishnu and Lord Rama; we, in India, fondly treasured the tradition of Indonesia’s Ramayana while laying the foundation stone for Ram Mandir in Ayodhya,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that India and Indonesia have helped each other preserve the wondrous cultures of their lands.
“Bali is a pristine land where the great saints like Maharshi Markandey and Maharishi Agastaya thrived,” he said.
The Prime Minister appreciated the community members for enhancing the stature and prestige of India abroad through hard work and dedication to their adopted motherland.
The accomplishments of the Indian diaspora make us proud, he said.
He also spoke about the positive trajectory of India-Indonesia relationship, and the crucial role played by Indian community members in its strengthening.
The Prime Minister highlighted India’s growth story, its achievements and strides that India is making in various fields such as – digital technology, finance, health, telecom and space.
“Right from the medicines to the vaccines, India embraced Atma Nirbharta in each and every aspect during the COVID times, the fruits of which transcended the national boundaries and reached to the whole wide world,” he said.
“In the area of Defense, India was, for decades, dependent upon imports. But now, she is expanding and enhancing her capabilities. Be it the Brahmos Missile or Tejas Fighter, every growing defence capacity is now leaving the world mesmerised.”
He also mentioned that India’s roadmap for development includes the political and economic aspirations of the world and the vision of self-reliant India embodies the spirit of global good.
The Prime Minister is on a visit to Bali to take part in the annual G20 Leaders’ Summit here.
